A WOLF HOUNDS CAMPAIGN

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 A WOLF HOUNDS CAMPAIGN

Devin Fortman / Hare Trigger Games, September 2022.

Inspiration: John Harper, Emanuele Galletto, Call of Cthulhu, Vaesen, The Witcher.
Intro music: Transylvania, by Iron Maiden.
Artwork by Jakub Rozalski, used with permission.
Title and logo fonts courtesy of HPLHS Inc.
This game is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Thanks to the Wild Clump for playtesting and proofreading.

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THE EARLY 17TH CENTURY is a period of turmoil for the Benandanti. In much of Europe,
suspected witches and werewolves are regularly executed by the courts and the mob,
while the Inquisition conducts a formal investigation into the loose group known as the
“Good Walkers”. Of course, the Benandanti’s supernatural foes do not rest during this,
forcing them to carry out their traditional duties while keeping a lower profile than
ever. And once in a while a greater threat is born, festering and growing in power
before drawing the attention of a vigilant pack.

BISHOP NICOLAI VORONIN is one such
adversary, a pious vampire using the
institutions of the church to build a cult
following. He preaches vampirism as a
blessing, and his mission is to spread
this “gift” far and wide in the service of
his God. Several decades ago he swept
into the Russian town of Molodi to
convert more living followers and
undead servants, and he now rules the
town in all but name.
Having solidified his power, he seeks to
expand his reach, and begins sending
acolytes to infiltrate other towns,
preparing them to be converted to his
glorious cause. Most of his targets are
still within Russia, but he also wants to
gain a foothold in the Baltics, and in
1608 sends an emissary across the
border into Selburg, a minor city in
Lithuania which happens to be within
the territory of a small pack of
Benandanti…
TIMELINE: The campaign spans a little
over a year, with one scenario set in
each season. More “monster of the
week” scenarios can easily be added in
between the campaign adventures. The
initial scenario is designed as an
introduction for first level characters,
and the pack should be around fourth
level by the finale, although difficulty
can be adjusted for different levels. Each
scenario is self-contained enough that
they could be run out of order if needed,
or used as one-shot games.
 The Siege of Selburg (p.5): The pack
investigates a mysterious illness,
uncovering an infestation of undead.
A small sandbox which introduces
the town of Selburg, and the first of
Voronin’s henchmen.
 In Shepherd’s Clothing (p.9): A
supposed werewolf attack near town
threatens to expose the pack to the
Inquisition. This scenario involves
plenty of detective work and
opportunities for social roleplaying.

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 Overgrowth (p.13): A series of
wildlife deaths reveal a powerful
forest creature corrupted by
Voronin’s influence. A more
straightforward monster hunt which
takes the pack into the Otherworld.
 Shadows of the Last Crusade (p.17):
Marauding spirits from two
centuries ago threaten a full scale
ghostly invasion. An example of the
threats the Benandanti face in their
seasonal rituals, magnified by
Voronin’s lieutenant.
 Our Better Angels (p.21): The pack
finally learns the identity of their
nemesis, and strikes back at his
home territory. The finale is two
parts: first exploring the cult-
controlled town, then invading
Voronin’s monastery stronghold.
THE INQUISITION: There are a few points
in the campaign where the pack will
cross paths with some Inquisitors, but
they can also arrive unexpectedly
whenever the GM wishes to make life
more interesting for the party. When
investigating the supernatural, the
Inquisitors tend to be misinformed and
overconfident, sticking to their dogma
in spite of all but the most over-
whelming evidence.
Should any of the Inquisitors meet an
untimely end, here are a couple sets of
spare witch-finders. They have 8-12 HP
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each, and weapons or armor as
appropriate. If matters escalate, they
may show up in larger groups, hire local
muscle, or enlist the town guard.
 Brother Ziegfried tries to emulate
the old crusader knights, and is
considered somewhat eccentric even
by his fellow Inquisitors, but his zeal
is unmatched. He is backed up by
his long-suffering "squire" Brother
Jurgen.
 Brother Dietrich is a shrewdly
analytic investigator, skilled at
connecting evidence and entrapping
suspects. His partner Brother
Sebastian is a dead-eyed sharp-
shooter, and an expert in "enhanced
interrogation" techniques.
OTHER BENANDANTI: If the characters
need reinforcements at any point, they
have a couple of options: The closest
neighboring pack is led by
“Grandfather” Grygas, detailed on page
19. There is a Hound named Łukaž who
can often be found in the area, scouting
the woods and bringing news between
packs; first introduced in “Overgrowth”
(p.13). Additionally, the PCs may make
an ally of Tobias during “In Shepherd’s
Clothing” (p.12). These characters can
be run by the GM or the players, or
simply narrated in the background.
They can even be used as premade
player characters, leveled up or down as
needed.
 CHARACTER OPTION: DRAWBACKS

DRAWBACKS are an optional addition for building a character, which can make for an
extra roleplaying challenge and a means of regaining Grit. At character creation, players
may select a drawback, or create one with their GM’s approval. Decide on the specifics,
and how severe it is. Once per game session, when the drawback poses a significant
challenge or makes things more difficult for the character, they may regain one lost
point of Grit. More severe drawbacks are harder to live with, but also more likely to
award Grit.

 Difficult Casting: Your magical  Notorious: You have a bad

abilities require long, complex reputation among much of the
rituals, or rare materials that are public or the authorities, possibly
hard to obtain. enough to have a price on your head.

 Disability: You have a bad or  Reclusive: You tend to live as a

missing limb, or another physical hermit, which may impact your
weakness that makes related tasks knowledge of human society, and
impossible or at Disadvantage. make others view you as an outsider.

 Feral Mannerisms: Your animal  Uncontrolled Shifting: Staying in

instincts are strong, but they can also human form can be difficult for you
be problematic for your human when under stress, or some other
social skills if you’re not careful. trigger such as the full moon.

 Iron Weakness: Some Benandanti  Weak Senses: Your vision, hearing,

are harmed by iron, much like their or sense of smell is poor or
prey. Iron weapons are painful to nonexistent, imposing Disadvantage
use, and deal double damage to you. or automatic failure on related rolls.

 Limited Shifting: Changing form  Witchmark: Witches and shape-

takes a long time for you, or can only shifters are often said to have some
be done under specific conditions, visible sign of their condition, and
such as a magic ritual. this happens to be true for you.

 Misinformed: Your understanding  Young/Elderly: You are significantly

of the supernatural is dangerously younger or older than most adults,
flawed, due to believing the wrong affecting your physical capabilities
lore, or some personal delusion. and others’ views toward you.

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-4-
DECEMBER, 1608. One of the PCs receives a carrier pigeon from their cousin, a healer in
a nearby town, detailing an unknown sickness and livestock attacks. This adventure
should take about two sessions to complete. It can be stretched out by adding more
combat encounters or red herrings, or trimmed down to one session by being more
generous with clues and removing some elements such as the Inquisitors.

Cousin, I hope this note finds you and your associates well. I cannot say
as much for my own town. A strange malady has left many of my
patients bedridden with no cause that I can discern. Surrounding farms
have been ravaged, but by no creature that I know of. And worst, our
officials dismiss these problems as fantasy, refusing to take action. I am
at a loss, but I think this may be within your field of expertise. Please
visit Selburg soon; I would be very glad to see you. Be careful. – Kaja

SELBURG is a large town in the Duchy of
Livonia, located near the Russian
border, a couple days away from the
pack’s home village. At the time,
Livonia is part of the Polish-Lithuanian
Commonwealth, although the ruling
class is mainly German, as is the official
language. The territory has changed
hands many times, but relations with
the neighbors are quiet for now. There is
no local Benandanti pack in town, but
the PCs visit occasionally, and have a
few contacts and allies such as Kaja.
KAJA VARNIŠKIS is an expert apothecary
and healer; intelligent and deeply
concerned for her patients. She knows
generally what her cousin’s “associates”
do; they have helped her before, and she
trusts them. Kaja will tell the PCs
everything she knows about the
affliction, and can show them some of
the patients, but she has no idea as to
the cause, only the symptoms.
THE ILLNESS: Dozens of villagers are
sluggish and lethargic, but numbly go
about their business. More serious cases
are completely bedridden, culminating
in about a dozen deaths so far. All of the
victims are otherwise-healthy adults,
but there is no other apparent pattern
that Kaja can discern. What really
puzzles her about the disease is that it
does not seem to spread through a
household: in most cases, only one
family member is stricken. This is

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because the sufferers have been afflicted
by the merchant and necromancer Kirill
Sakharov while visiting his shop, and
many of the deceased have risen from
their graves as vampires under his
command.
UPYR: Lesser vampires known to Slavic
folklore, appearing as feral corpses
covered in grave dirt. They are mostly
unintelligent, but can coordinate
ambushes, and turn to mist to infiltrate
or escape combat. They avoid bright
sunlight, but cloud cover, thick forests,
and buildings are fine for them. All
Upyr take half damage from normal
weapons, but double damage from fire
or silver. May be repelled by garlic, and
a stake to the heart paralyzes them.
When they bite an opponent, the victim
must make a Might save, or lose 1
temporary point of Might. Advanced
Upyr are somewhat more intelligent,
less decayed-looking, and much faster.
 Upyr: 6 HP, claws/improvised
weapons (1d6-1), or bite (1d3 armor
piercing, Might drain).
 Advanced Upyr: 10 HP,
crossbow/saber (1d6) or bite (1d3
AP, Might drain).
LIVESTOCK ATTACKS: Sheep and cattle
in surrounding farms have been killed
with their throats ripped out, but there
are no animal tracks or scent. Many of
the farmers blame wolves by default,
but some realize it wasn’t the work of a
normal predator. The newly spawned
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Upyr are responsible, but they are
getting tired of feeding on livestock, and
will start attacking farmers, travelers,
and PCs when given the chance.
TOWN HALL: Most government officials
seem unaffected by the disease, and
dismiss the problems as normal sickness
and wolf attacks. Burgomeister Albrecht
von Selburg and a handful of other
officials have been enthralled by the
necromancer, and will interfere with the
PCs’ investigations if they get too nosey.
The pack may run into Sakharov here,
concluding a meeting with Albrecht. A
clerk, Šimon Palkas, knows that
Sakharov has some kind of influence
over the burgomeister, although he
believes it to be blackmail. He will try to
give the pack hints, but may get killed
or enthralled if he sticks his neck out too
much (i.e. if the PCs rely on him too
much).
 Town Guards: 6 HP, 1 armor,
halberds and matchlock muskets
(1d6).
 Guard Officer: 8 HP, 1 armor, saber
and wheellock pistol (1d6).
THE INN: Owner Nataža Straižys will
talk to any customers, providing local
news and directions around town. She is
a little familiar with the Benandanti; the
PCs have stayed at her inn before, and
she knows they are here to help. Nataža
takes no nonsense at her establishment,
and keeps a crossbow behind the bar for
emergencies.
THE CHURCH: Father Eckhart is worried
for his congregation, and is sure that the
illness and attacks are the work of evil
spirits. He knows vaguely of the
Benandanti, and is curious but wary of
them. Could be a useful ally for the pack
if approached the right way, but he may
turn against them if pressured by the
Inquisitors, who are technically his
superiors. A thoughtful man, not
typically a firebrand, but he could stir
up a mob with the right push.
INQUISITORS: Brother Reinhold and
Brother Bernhard show up not long
after the pack arrives, ordered to
investigate the same problems. Reinhold
is the more senior, and does most of the
talking; Bernhard is less experienced,
but provides extra muscle. They swiftly
come to the conclusion of werewolf
attacks and witchcraft, and will be
highly suspicious of the PCs (as
outsiders to Selburg), and even Kaja (as
an associate of the PCs). Their piety is
matched only by their disdain for the
villagers, most of whom would be glad
to see them go, but are too intimidated
to say so.
 Br. Reinhold: 8 HP, 1 armor, rapier
and two wheellock pistols (1d6).
 Br. Bernhard: 10 HP, mace and
crossbow (1d6).
THE NECROMANCER: A merchant and
minor sorcerer, Kirill Sakharov, is at the
root of the troubles in Selburg. He
arrived in town half a year ago,
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ostensibly to sell honey, mead, and wax
imported from Russia. He appears
healthy and richly dressed, and carries a
cane of black ash with silver inlays, the
source of his power. The players may
assume him to be a vampire; do not
disabuse them of the idea. He is not
undead, nor even especially powerful:
he is using an artifact granted by Bishop
Voronin that allows him to enthrall
victims, or afflict them with a life-
draining illness. Any persons killed by
this power can then be raised as Upyr
under his control.
 Sakharov: 6 HP, cursed dagger
(d3+1 AP). Ash cane: Target makes
an Insight save each round (Miss:
obey orders, Partial: stand dazed,
Success: break free). If used outside
of combat, the victim makes a save
when first targeted, or when ordered
to do something highly dangerous or
out of character.
Sakharov tries to stay in the
background, misdirecting suspicion,
having his thralls interfere, and sending
Upyr after those who get too close.
When finally confronted he is likely to
run, but he always has a couple of
advanced Upyr “on call” for protection.
The necromancer’s residence (or
carriage, or corpse, as appropriate)
contains a letter with instructions from
his master, signed with an unfamiliar
seal. If a PC researches the seal, they
will find it is composed of symbols
typically used in the Russian Orthodox
Church.
 Sakharov – I trust your diplomatic mission is proceeding smoothly.
When I visit Selburg, I expect to be welcomed as a friend by Herr
Albrecht, and greeted by a multitude of new servants. Send word when
the town is adequately prepared for my arrival.

SAMPLE TIMELINE: After receiving
Nadja’s message, the pack takes a
couple days to prepare and travel to
Selburg. After seeing Nadja, they may
want to talk to some town officials, and
investigate the livestock attacks. If the
pack visits one of the outlying farms,
they can find some good clues, but will
be ambushed by a handful of Upyr on
the way back to town. Whatever
officials they talk to will be dismissive
and unhelpful, but the clerk Šimon will
try to hint at what’s wrong, and ask to
meet later. Šimon will be killed,
enthralled, or sickened either before or
after the meeting; depending on how
much information the GM wants him to
give out. The group will be attacked by
several advanced Upyr at the meeting,
or after leaving.
Either way, the evidence should point
them in Sakharov’s direction. When
they get to the necromancer’s
shop/townhouse, he is gone, and the
place shows signs of a recent hasty
departure. Sakharov has fled town in a
carriage, and the pack must hunt him
down to make sure he doesn’t return to
Selburg, or find another town to
victimize. The roads are muddy and the
cart is laden with merchandise, so the
PCs should be able to catch up if they
hurry.
At any point when the GM wants to
shake things up, the two witch-finders
can appear demanding answers. When
the pack returns from the farm, the pair
could already be in town; or they could
interrupt dinner at the inn, wanting to
hear what the strangers know about the
“werewolf” attacks. Alternately, they
might seize Kaja for interrogation, on
suspicion of using witchcraft to sicken
her patients.

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MARCH, 1609. There’s been a murder near Selburg, and the evidence points to a
werewolf attack. With the town up in arms and Inquisitors seeking “justice”, the pack
had better find out who or what is really responsible, or someone is going to burn. This
adventure can be completed in one session, unless your group really leans into the
social roleplaying aspect, or has an especially tough time with the Inquisitors.

BACKGROUND: In a monastery outside Tobias was reluctant to go along with

of Selburg, a young monk named
Brother Tobias has recently realized his
heritage as a werewolf. Being raised in
the church means he knows nothing of
the Benandanti, and instead thinks his
transformation is a curse, making him
change involuntarily on the full moon.
Two Inquisitors discovered Tobias’
journal during an inspection of the
monastery, and instead of exposing the
unfortunate werewolf to be burned,
they saw an opportunity to exploit.
They approached Tobias and told him
he could only atone for his “sins” by
unleashing his wolf form against the
enemies of God – whom they would
helpfully point out for him. They hope
to use him as an assassin who cannot be
traced back to them, with the added
bonuses of stoking pious fear in the
community, and the chance to frame
others to be executed for the deeds.
the plan, so the Inquisitors
manufactured some leverage: The night
of the full moon they murdered a local
boy, Nikolaž Strazinski, disfigured the
body, then drugged Tobias and
deposited him at the scene, covered in
blood. After they have a patsy executed
for the crime (such as one of the PCs),
they will return to the guilt-ridden
monk to repeat their demands and give
him his first target.
STARTING THE MYSTERY: While visiting
Selburg, one of the characters wakes up
to a contact banging on their door, who
breathlessly informs them about a dead
body that was just discovered near a
farm. Rumors already say that it was a
werewolf attack, due to the mutilated
state of the corpse, and that it happened
on the full moon. Depending on who
the contact is, they either know that
“monster” attacks are the group’s
specialty, or that the pack is at risk of
being exposed if they don’t solve the
case first.

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EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE: Nikolaž’s Inquisitors, carrying Nikolaž from the
body is in a butcher’s storage in farm and Tobias from the road. They
preparation for burial, covered by a tried to conceal their passage, but any
sheet. Even after being cleaned up, the careful tracker shouldn’t have much
wounds are still horrific, with rows of trouble finding them, especially with a
parallel slashes covering the front of the werewolf’s nose. There are no animal
head and torso. Close examination will tracks at the site, wolf or otherwise.
find that the wounds are relatively
shallow, and of a more even depth than
THE MONASTERY: The nearby road leads
normally made by clawing. There are no
back to town, past a few other farms,
bite marks, but there is another injury to
and a monastery. Visitors are welcome,
the head, made by a blunt impact. The
as the monks trade with the village and
body still smells of wet fur, and some
give lodging to travelers. Asking around
animal hairs were left behind, although
may reveal that one of the monks was
scent will reveal that it’s not just wolf
feeling ill that morning, missing
fur – a few of the hairs appear to be
breakfast and prayers; or a PC may pass
from a bear. Characters with an
by Brother Tobias and notice the
especially keen nose may detect a trace
lingering scent of blood.
of preservative from the hairs, such as
from a piece of taxidermy.
Tobias works in the stables, which is the
best place to talk with him. He is
SCENE OF THE CRIME: The boy was
obviously terrified of discovery, and
found by his parents, in the forest not
may think the PCs are working with his
far from their farm. They went into
blackmailers. When he realizes the party
town the previous day, leaving Nikolaž
knows who he is, and want to help, he
to watch the farm, and he was gone
will open up in a flood of guilt.
when they returned. The body was
However, the pack will have to be
discovered in a small clearing; there is
careful about telling him that they are
still dried blood all over the ground and
shapeshifters and witches, as the monk
the underbrush. The scent of fur is less
is still convinced that those are “sinful”
pronounced here than on the body, but
conditions.
there is also a faint whiff of… incense?

TOBIAS’ STORY: Having grown up with

Two sets of tracks (the parents) lead to
only the Church’s stories of werewolves,
the farm, while one set (Tobias) leads
Tobias thinks his transformation is from
toward the roadway. Additional sets of
some sort of curse, or demonic
tracks are partly covered by the other
possession. He has told no-one, instead
trails, and lead in roughly the same
trying various “cures” including self-
directions. These were made by the

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exorcism, obviously to no effect.
Denying his inner animal has resulted in
a split personality of sorts, similar to the
“cursed werewolf” legends: Tobias
changes involuntarily during nights of
the full moon, waking up with only
hazy memories. His wolf-side is mostly
terrified and just wants to escape into
the woods, but without help, Tobias’
self-loathing will further fracture his
psyche, warping him into the berserk
killer of the stories he was raised on.
However, if the pack can convince
Tobias that being a werewolf is not a
curse, and can even be used for good,
then he can begin learning to control his
changes and integrate this new side of
himself. Fully deprogramming him will
take longer than this adventure, but a
good way to start is by proving that he
was not responsible for the murder.
Then he can be persuaded that the
Church’s stories about werewolves are
only lies made to spread fear, just as the
Inquisitors were lying to him and the
town for their own ends.
 Brother Tobias: 10 HP, unarmed
(1d3) or teeth (1d6+1). Instinctively
uses Shade Cloak talent while in
wolf form, which is how he has
avoided detection thus far.
THE INQUISITORS: The pack may have
met Brothers Reinhold and Bernhard in
the previous adventure. If necessary
they can be replaced with two new
witch-finders; Dietrich and Sebastian
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would fit well here. Reinhold does the
talking and scheming, while Bernhard
does the hitting and torturing. Although
they murder, lie, and blackmail to
further their goals, they do not see this
as corruption, but as using any means
necessary to combat the forces of the
Devil. The pair are not well liked in
town, but their word is still considered
sacred.
 Br. Reinhold: 8 HP, 1 armor, rapier
and two wheellock pistols (1d6).
 Br. Bernhard: 10 HP, mace and
crossbow (1d6).
The two Inquisitors are currently
staying in the monastery’s guest
quarters. They have set up shop in the
basement, converting a couple of
storerooms into a makeshift dungeon
and interrogation chamber. A locked
chest contains their torture implements,
Tobias’ journal, and a taxidermied
brown bear paw, used to make the
wounds found on their first victim.
Depending on previous interactions, the
Inquisitors may or may not already
suspect some of the party of being
werewolves. Either way, once they find
out the pack has been digging into their
crime, they will publicly accuse the most
likely-seeming PC as a convenient
patsy. The GM has two options here,
depending on their players and the type
of session desired. For more action, the
accused character will be brought to the
monastery basement for interrogation,
giving the rest of the pack the chance to An additional challenge is keeping
stage a jailbreak (just as Bernhard is Tobias out of the public eye. The
readying the rack and greasing the Inquisitors want him alive to serve their
thumbscrews). purposes, but they may reveal his
journal if needed to save their own
hides. This damning evidence would
For a longer session, heavier on social
probably be enough to get a tearful
conflict, the Inquisitors will arrange a
confession from the young monk, who
public trial. They will have plenty of
would almost surely be burned. If the
“evidence” even if they have to
pack can keep Tobias safe, he will most
manufacture it. Their ace in the hole is a
likely leave the monastery to be taken in
wolf-skin belt (supposedly used for a
by the Rozicki family, a couple of local
werewolf’s transformation), which they
farmers whose Benandanti son was
can plant in the accused character’s
killed some years ago. Although not
belongings. The town is out for blood to
werewolves themselves, they can give
avenge the killing, so a trial will be hard
Tobias the support and guidance he
to win unless the rest of the pack can
needs to comes to terms with his gift;
make a counter-accusation with ironclad
eventually becoming a grateful ally to
proof of the Inquisitors’ guilt.
the players’ pack.

 Tobias: Level 2, Might +1, Agility

+0, Insight +1, HP 10, Grit 3. Talents:
Shade Cloak, Herbalist, Folklorist;
Uncontrolled Shifting.

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JULY, 1609. In the deep woods, bodies are appearing: Human and animal alike, all
crushed and strangely decayed. A corruption is falling over the wilderness, and it needs
to be removed before the whole forest is covered in the stench of death. This adventure
can be completed in one session, but can be adjusted to take longer by adding
diversions, or by making the monster more elusive or aggressive.

THE PARASITE: With his necromancer nearby forest the past week, he
rooted out of Selburg, Bishop Voronin is discovered a series of dead wildlife, all
now striking at the outlying areas. He freshly killed but in a state of advanced
sent one of his Upyr on a “suicide” decay. They were all found fairly deep
mission to corrupt a primeval forest in the woods, but the rate of the killings
creature known as a Leshy, driving it on is troubling, and whatever is causing
a killing spree. It now attacks them could start attacking humans as
indiscriminately, crushing any beings well.
unfortunate enough to catch its
 Łukaž: Level 3, Might +0, Agility +2,
attention. So far most of the victims are
Insight +1, HP 14, Grit 4, Armor 1.
local wildlife, but a few humans have
Talents: Shade Cloak, Discerning
been killed in the woods as well, and
Nose, Signature Weapon (rifle),
matters will only get worse as the Leshy
Forest Runner; Feral Mannerisms.
further succumbs to the undead
parasite’s influence.
If the pack waits to take action, they will
soon hear news of bodies being
STARTING THE MYSTERY: While eating
discovered, starting with woodsmen
dinner together, the PCs will hear a low
and charcoal burners. Handfuls of local
bark and a scratching at their door.
hunters will band together to find the
Opening it reveals a wolf with long
attacker, getting wiped out except for
limbs and dark fur, who immediately
one wounded, half-mad survivor.
walks in, glances around, and stands
Finally, town guard patrols will be sent
up, becoming a road-worn young man.
out, which the Leshy will decimate with
He introduces himself as Łukaž, a scout
hit-and-run attacks, retreating to the
and messenger for the Benandanti. Once
Otherworld in between. If not dealt
provided with food, he will tell the pack
with, its corruption will spread through
about a string of mysterious animal
the forest, choking the life within, and
deaths. While traveling through the

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even reaching into the towns and
settlements as the creature continues its
rampage.
SCENE OF THE CRIME: Łukaž can bring
the pack to the part of the woods where
the attacks are happening. Once away
from town, the normally vibrant
summer forest starts to feel lifeless and
stagnant, with animal sounds subdued
and plants becoming withered. When
the pack approaches the right area, the
woods suddenly turn deathly quiet. A
heavy odor of rotten vegetation and
upturned earth filters through the trees,
as well as a large amount of fresh blood,
unmistakable even to a human nose.
Not far off the road lies the carcass of a
deer, little more than splintered bones
and a mess of blood. Although the
blood is clearly fresh, most of the flesh
has already decayed away, and a sickly
green moss has begun to grow around
the edges of the bones.
A column of smoke is visible in the
distance, leading to a destroyed charcoal
burners’ outpost. The former occupants
are in the same state as the deer, and the
buildings have been completely
wrecked as if by a gigantic wolverine;
shattered timbers growing with the
same moss. The plants here are both
growing out of control and dying at the
same time, strangled by too much life in
the same space. Besides that, the Leshy
moves almost tracelessly through its
wooded domain: vegetation is
- 14 -
undisturbed, and there are no tracks
showing, only the lingering smell.
THE LESHY: Most of the characters will
have heard legends of the Leshy, an
ancient and powerful guardian of the
forest, but usually secretive and rarely
seen. Successful Insight rolls may let
characters connect it to these attacks and
recall more details. Every large region of
forest is supposed to have a resident
Leshy. It is said to take many shapes,
most often appearing as a bearded old
man, a large bear, or an animate mass of
plants. Stories about it are conflicting,
with some claiming that it misleads or
attacks humans who trespass too far
into the wilderness, and others who say
it will guide lost hunters and travelers if
approached with the proper respect. In
any case, indiscriminately killing
animals seems to be highly out of
character for it, possibly a sign that
something is seriously wrong with the
Leshy or its forest.
TRACKING THE BEAST: The pack may
follow the Leshy’s scent directly to the
Otherworld, or it might find them first
for a brief skirmish. In the latter case,
the scent trail will fade and dissipate
somewhere deep in the woods. As the
pack decides where to go next, the wind
shifts, and the decaying plant and open
grave odor rolls over them heavier than
ever. A towering silhouette emerges
through the trees, eerily quiet except for
rustling leaves and slithering vines. It
will attack the intruders (see below for
stats), but flees when seriously injured,
leaving behind a path of disturbed soil
which the plants quickly start to grow
back over.
The Leshy’s retreat is in a part of the
Otherworld known as the Deeper
Forest. Entry is not found at a specific
location, but the Leshy can be followed
there by scent or magical direction-
finding. While passing through a stand
of pines, the trees start getting closer,
denser, and darker; becoming a tunnel
that grows lower and lower until the
only way forward leads down between
gaps in the roots, into the earth.
Travelers will have to crawl to pass
through, and upon emerging any
shapeshifters will realize they have
changed to four-legged form, whether
they intended to or not – even if they
usually take a two-legged hybrid form.
Being in animal shape will feel much
more natural and comfortable here;
changing to hybrid or human form costs
one point of Grit per scene.
Once within the Deeper Forest, the trees
and undergrowth are thick enough to
form tunnels of varying sizes,
sometimes opening into leaf-domed
caverns and only rarely a clearing with
sky showing above. Even in high
summer, the sun barely filters through
in most places, creating a warm twilight
glow. Characters in animal form feel
strangely at home here, as in a
welcoming den, but also have a distinct
sense of unease from intruding on
- 15 -
another being’s territory. Use a six-
segment clock to represent the
characters’ progress finding the Leshy.
The chase seems to go on for days, as
characters lose sense of time, every so
often catching glimpses of their prey
fleeing through the brush, until they
close in and it finally turns to confront
the hunters.
When the clock is half filled, or after
their first failed tracking roll, the pack is
ambushed while crossing a stream,
choked by algae with dead fish floating
on the surface. The Vodyanoi and
Rusalki are humanoid water-dwellers
sometimes said to be friendly,
sometimes malevolent tricksters, but
these have been corrupted by the
Leshy’s blight. 2d3 of them will attack
from under the surface, slithering out of
the weeds. Normally beautiful, they are
now coated in algal slime, with
distended guts and glassy eyes.
 Vodyanoi/Rusalki: 10 HP, half
damage from normal weapons, full
damage from iron. Webbed claws
(1d6, Might save or start drowning).
When attacking from hiding, their
victim makes an Insight save or is hit
automatically.
REMOVING THE CORRUPTION: When the
pack finally catches up with the Leshy,
it appears as a living mass of earth,
stone, and plant matter; roughly bear-
shaped with bark for skin, tendons of
vines, and shaggy moss for fur. It reeks
like a graveyard in a swamp, and gives  Necrotic Leshy: 44 HP, 2 armor,
a rumbling roar like the clash of earthen fists (2d6) or strangling vines
boulders. It can change shape at will, (1d6, Agility save or grab for 1d6
shrinking to the size of a wolverine to damage/round, save to break free).
go through smaller tunnels, but will Immune to lead and steel weapons,
make its stand in a large clearing where regenerates 1d6 HP/round except
it can grow to colossal size. Anyone who for fire damage. When reduced to 0
can get behind the beast will see what HP, it will continue regenerating,
appears to be a nearly skeletal human and reanimate once it reaches half
corpse embedded between its shoulders. HP, unless the Upyr is removed.
The Upyr is now an inanimate parasite,
unable to act on its own, but its undead
Once the parasite is destroyed and the
energy is poisoning the Leshy, driving it
Leshy’s remains are purified, it will
to rampage.
crumble back into the earth to grow
anew, and the forest will slowly return
Defeating the Leshy with brute force is to life. The Upyr will be mostly a pile of
possible, but it is tough, armored, and dust and bone fragments, but within the
can regenerate most wounds. The more remains is a lead amulet set with an
effective course is to remove the onyx gem, inscribed with a curse in
parasite, most likely by a character Cyrillic lettering.
climbing onto the creature’s back to
directly attack the Upyr. This will
require a series of rolls; use a progress
clock or play it by ear. Other characters
can assist by distracting or disabling the
Leshy. If the players do not realize the
skeletal body is causing the problem,
successful Insight rolls might give them
the right idea. Whatever strategy they
take, they will need a well-coordinated
pack to bring down the beast.

- 16 -
SEPTEMBER, 1609. The Benandanti are always ready for supernatural trouble around the
Autumnal Equinox, but with travelers around Selburg being attacked by mysterious
assailants, the pack may have more on their hands than usual this fall. This adventure
should take one session to finish, but can be further complicated by adding some
Inquisitors to hinder the pack.

THE LAST WAR: In the late 14th century, throw wide the gates to the
the Baltic Crusades finally overtook Underworld, leading his spectral army
Lithuania, one of the last holdouts of on a new Baltic Crusade.
traditional Paganism in Europe. The
country was invaded and occupied by
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS shortly before
several orders of Teutonic Knights.
the Autumnal Equinox, when the
Much of the noble class was converted
Benandanti will hold their seasonal
to Christianity, but in 1409 the
ritual to defend their homes from
remaining Pagans in the Samogitia
invading spirits and demons. A
region led an uprising, managing to
commotion breaks out in the middle of
unite their country against the
town, as a traveler comes riding in at
occupiers. The following year, Lithuania
full speed, white knuckled and white
and their Polish allies drove out the
faced. The horse slows to a halt, lathered
Teutonic Knights, defeating them in the
with sweat. The rider slumps, only still
largest battle in medieval Europe.
in the saddle thanks to a rope tied about
his waist. He drops the reins, and his
TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: A other hand falls from his side, revealing
vampiric necromancer under orders of a huge patch of blood.
Bishop Voronin is raising an army of
ghosts from the defeated Crusaders,
The PCs will recognize the rider as
offering them a last chance for
Antanas, a merchant from their village.
vengeance against their rebellious
They can attempt to treat the man, but
subjects. They begin by running down
his injury is grievous, and he will only
travelers, resulting in trampling, sword,
survive on a critical success. Even then,
and lance attacks with no visible
he will fall unconscious after gasping a
evidence or explanation. Meanwhile, the
few words about his companions being
necromancer is marshalling his forces
massacred by "knights".
for the Autumnal Equinox, when he will

- 17 -
While alive, Antanas is shivering and
already cold to the touch. His face is set
in a terrified grimace which remains
even in death. The single wound passes
straight through his torso, but without
any lacerations; apparently caused by a
long, heavy piercing item, wide but not
bladed like a spear. There are no
fragments of material left in the wound,
and no lingering scent to it.
The PCs can easily find out that Antanas
left town a few weeks prior with two
companions, headed to Selburg for
trading. This should prompt them to
travel to the larger town; if not, more
bodies will be found, or another traveler
will arrive, raving about a narrow
escape on the way to Selburg. When
they get there, they will hear about
more victims found with sword and
lance wounds, or trampled bodies on
the roads. One survivor is trying to
drink his fear away at the inn, and after
much persuasion will claim to have
been attacked by knights who appeared
from nowhere.
When the pack goes to investigate or
draw out the ghosts, they will reach a
lone figure on horseback blocking the
road, shrouded in mist. The knight and
his mount wear chainmail and plate
armor of outdated design, covered by a
white tabard with a black cross. His face
is invisible under the full steel helmet.
As the knight silently faces the pack, an
icy fog rolls toward them, and foot
soldiers melt through the underbrush to
- 18 -
stand alongside the knight, frost
forming on the dead leaves around
them. Despite their heavy armor, the
band makes no sound, even as the
knight lowers his lance and charges.
There will be about one foot soldier per
PC, plus the mounted knight. Unless the
pack is already expecting ghosts, this
first encounter may force them to retreat
and come back after more research and
preparation.
FIGHTING GHOSTS: In the physical
world, ghosts ignore armor, and normal
weapons are incapable of harming them
or blocking their attacks. This means
that most fighting rolls cannot deal
damage to the ghosts, only avoid taking
damage with a full success. Iron
weapons can block their attacks on a
partial success, and will dispel them on
a critical. Ghosts are repelled by salt,
and can be harmed by it as well –
simply throwing salt won’t be enough
to deal damage, but if a character can
weaponise it somehow, any successful
attack will temporarily dispel the ghost.
In the spirit plane, combat rolls work
normally, but ghosts ignore one point of
armor, and take half damage from
normal weapons. Salt attacks do not
dispel them instantly, but they ignore
the ghosts’ armor and can deal damage
like iron weapons. Ghosts can only be
destroyed permanently by slaying them
in the spirit plane, or by purifying their
mortal remains.
 Crusader Ghosts: HP 10, armor 2,
sword (1d6+2). Mounted knights can
use a lance/trample attack against
all enemies in a line for 2d6 damage,
every other round.
Studying the pattern of attacks and/or
researching local history will point the
characters in the direction of an old
Crusader citadel, abandoned and
crumbling. The ghosts could also be
tracked to their base through magical
means such as Witch Sight or Ghost
Walk, although they leave no actual
scent to follow. When the pack arrives at
the citadel, it is empty and overgrown,
but there are signs of recent usage:
incense, candles, and chalk symbols on
the stones. The characters should be able
to deduce that somebody is preparing
for a ritual on the night of the equinox,
with the potential to summon an army
of ghostly Crusaders.
In the spirit plane, the surrounding
forest is a desolate nightmare, but the
fortress appears as new, with heavy
reinforced gates and shadowy-faced
guards patrolling the walls. The
necromancer is locked inside, where the
pack shouldn’t be able to access until
the equinox – although if they figure out
some way to do so early, they will be
rewarded with an easier fight.
- 19 -
REINFORCEMENTS: If the pack realizes
the potential magnitude of the threat,
they may want to summon help. There
is another pack close enough to get a
message to before the equinox, or they
may already be arriving in Selburg after
being attacked by the knights
themselves. The neighboring pack is led
by "Grandfather" Grygas, a grizzled
veteran wearing a battered steel
breastplate specially fit for his massive
hybrid form. His second-in-command
Lyuda is more subtle and calculating,
preferring to fight in wolf form to take
advantage of any opportunity for
flanking attacks. The youngest member
is Martynas, an inventive hedge mage
who supports the two Hounds with
research, spells, and specially prepared
crossbow bolts.
 Grygas: Level 4, Might +3, Agility
+1, Insight +0, HP 18, Grit 5, Armor
2+1. Talents: Iron Pelt, Ghost Fang,
Night Terror, Signature Weapon
(iron poleaxe), Strength of the Pack.
 Lyuda: Level 4, Might +1, Agility +2,
Insight +1, HP 18, Grit 5, Armor 1+1.
Talents: Iron Pelt, Ghost Fang, Shade
Cloak, Signature Weapon (fangs),
Sheep’s Clothing.
 Martynas: Level 3, Might +0, Agility
+1, Insight +2, HP 14, Grit 4, Armor
1. Talents: Shielding, Guards and
Wards, Artificer, Folklorist.
ON THE EVE OF THE EQUINOX: The
people of Selburg retreat inside as the
citadel becomes visible to all in a
spectral parody of its former grandeur,
illuminated by eerie blue-green bonfires
flaring inside. Either have the players
describe their pack’s ritual to access the
spirit realm, or for expediency the spirit
and material planes may simply
intersect on the castle to allow passage.
Either way, once the sun sets, the castle
is a wide open gate to the Underworld,
with ghostly knights ready to pour out.
The pack needs to fight past the outer
guards, kill the necromancer inside, and
ritually seal the gates. Adjust the
number and placement of enemies
based on the pack’s strength: if the
players are overly cautious, the
necromancer might perform his ritual
outside the walls, presenting a more
inviting target. If the players are well
prepared and brought the neighbors for
backup, increase the necromancer’s
defenses for a really epic battle. Grygas’
pack could be controlled by the players,
but it’s probably simplest to narrate
them in the background, with their
success based on how well the players
are doing. There are basically enough
ghosts to keep the NPCs occupied,
while the PCs fight the necromancer and
a few bodyguards.
- 20 -
THE NECROMANCER is one of Bishop
Voronin’s undead lieutenants, and is
much older than the Upyr the pack have
previously faced. He appears
mummified rather than rotting, with
papery skin, long black hair and beard,
wearing black robes with the
paraphernalia of a Russian Orthodox
monk. Like other Upyr, he takes half
damage from normal weapons, but
double from silver or fire, and can be
paralyzed by a stake to the heart.
 Upyr Necromancer: HP 14, armor 1,
life draining grasp (1d6 AP, Insight
save or 1 point temp damage to each
attribute), enervating rays (1d6 to all
targets in a small radius, Might save
or -1 to all rolls for the next round).
He carries a slim volume written in
Cyrillic, with Voronin’s seal inside the
cover. If translated, it is a Christian
prayer book, but covers some unusual
subjects. It contains some of Voronin’s
theorizing on the states between life and
death, in between a variety of prayers
and rituals with topics such as praising
the divine blessing of unlife, sharing the
gift of earthly resurrection, summoning
spirits of the deceased, and communing
with various sorts of angels.
JANUARY, 1610. The pack finally uncovers the source of the supernatural attacks
plaguing their town over the past year. Following this thread will lead them across the
Russian border to the stronghold of their nemesis, where they have a chance to stop him
for good before a more dire threat is unleashed.
PART I: THE SHADOW OVER MOLODI
GM’S OVERVIEW: The pack is first
ambushed by Inquisitors carrying a
letter from Bishop Voronin, leading
them to the cult-controlled town of
Molodi. The first part of the adventure
is somewhat open-ended, with the pack
exploring the town and skirmishing
with the cult. The second part has the
pack invading Voronin’s monastery to
stop a ritual which would summon a
“destroying angel” to do his bidding.
This scenario should take two sessions
to complete, although it can be extended
by letting the players explore Molodi for
longer, and pointing suspicion toward
the town cathedral at first, rather than
the monastery. Alternately, the scenario
could be shortened to a single session by
directing the players straight to the
monastery, stopping in town only
briefly.
- 21 -
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS on the road, as
the pack is stopped by a pair of
Inquisitors – either ones they have dealt
with previously, or the “generic” ones
below. They have a gang of hired
muscle, about one per PC. A couple of
thugs are hiding in the bushes, but the
clumsy ambush should be easily sniffed
out. The leader announces the names of
each shapeshifter PC: “Don’t move, you
filthy curs! Surrender now and your
deaths shall be mercifully swift. The rest
of you will be brought for further
questioning. Drop your weapons and
kneel.”
 Inquisitors: 10 HP, 1 armor,
longsword and wheellock pistol
(1d6+2).
 Hired thugs: 6 HP, muskets,
crossbows, axes, maces (1d6).
The Inquisitors are overconfident,
trigger happy, and will not be talked
down. The leader is carrying a list of the
shapeshifter characters’ names, attached
to a letter.
 Our respective churches may not always see eye to eye, but these
Ungodly mongrels have slain my Congregants and your Brothers alike. I
think we can both see the need to do something permanent about these
thrice-damned werebeasts.

Signed and sealed: Yepiskop Nicolai Voronin

If the players do not make the
connection, Insight checks will help
them realize that this is the thread tying
together the undead antagonists from
the previous campaign adventures: The
letter from Kirill Sakharov’s unknown
master, the parasitic Upyr’s amulet with
Cyrillic writing, and the vampire
dressed as a Russian monk.
The pack can research the sender of the
note in the town hall or library of a large
town such as Selburg. The best source of
information might be the local church, if
the pack is on good terms. Anyone at
the church can tell that the seal comes
from a Russian Orthodox official, and
their records show that Yepiskop
(Bishop) Voronin oversees a parish just
across the Russian border, about a
week’s travel away.
MOLODI is a large, isolated town in a
narrow valley, overlooked by an
abandoned monastery on the cliffs
above. The guards at the gates are less
than welcoming, but will let the
travelers in after a few questions. The
buildings are very old fashioned,
constructed entirely of wood, and even
the streets are paved with timber. There
is a central market square with an inn
nearby, and official buildings like the
Boyar’s estate and the cathedral are
clustered at the end of town backing the
mountain. Even on clear days, the town
is usually in shadow from the
mountains, and most residents are
visibly suspicious of strangers,
contributing to the foreboding
atmosphere.
The streets are busy even in winter, but
many of the townsfolk appear pale and
lethargic, which characters may
recognize as signs of Upyr feeding.
Most of the afflicted people are cult
initiates, who willingly submit to the
“Resurrected” Upyr in hopes of
ascending to the ranks of Voronin’s
“Deacons”. However, not all cult
supporters show signs of feeding, and
the Upyr sometimes feed on non-
members, so players won’t be able to tell
who to trust just from their symptoms.
THE CULT congregates in the town
cathedral, and preaches Christian
scripture, but angled to portray
vampirism as a blessing from their God,
drawing parallels with imbibing the
blood of Christ. The most devout
cultists see Voronin as an angelic savior,
redeeming their souls through the
miracle of an earthly Resurrection. Most
of the non-initiated townsfolk go along

- 22 -
with the cult, since it is still their only
church, although they have varying
levels of apprehension towards the
Upyr and the modified scriptures.
Anyone actually suspicious about the
cult is too afraid to speak out publicly
for fear of being branded a heretic, or
attacked by the Upyr. The town’s Boyar
(mayor) Mikhail Fedorov is increasingly
uncomfortable about the cult, but
powerless to do much besides follow
Voronin’s demands.
THE UPYR of the cult are more cleaned
up than the “feral” ones previously
encountered, but most of them are still
shambling and unintelligent. They are
dressed in rough black monks’ robes,
with herbs and incense partly disguising
their scent. Some of the less decayed,
more capable ones are used as Streltsy –
guards and soldiers, wearing heavy
military-style coats and hats. Voronin’s
most favored cultists become Deacons:
more powerful, lifelike Upyr who retain
their intelligence. They appear nearly
human, and most wear white robes with
a gold-hilted saber hanging from the
belt.
The lesser Upyr are controlled by
Voronin and his Deacons, and do not
attack townsfolk at random. Most of
them nest in the monastery or the
cathedral, though a few clutches are
scattered in basements around town.
Each night, a handful are allowed to
emerge and feed upon the cult’s faithful
human initiates – or heretical non-
members marked for punishment.
- 23 -
All Upyr take half damage from normal
weapons, but double from silver or fire.
They are paralyzed by a stake to the
heart, and weaker ones may be repelled
by garlic. They can turn to mist at will,
and when they bite an opponent the
victim must make a Might save, or lose
1 temporary point of Might. The
Deacons also have powers of mind
control: The victim makes an Insight
save when first targeted, or when
ordered to do something highly
dangerous or out of character. When
used in combat, the target makes a save
each round (Miss: obey orders, Partial:
stand dazed, Success: break free).
 Upyr: 6 HP, claws (1d6-1) or bite
(1d3 AP, 1 Might drain).
 Streltsy: 10 HP, 1 armor, musket or
bayonet (1d6+1) or bite.
 Deacons: 12 HP, 1 armor, saber
(1d6), bite, mind control.
THE CATHEDRAL is a typical-looking
Russian church, built of wood with a
towering multi-domed roof. Inside is
filled with candles and icons, wooden
and gold panels depicting saints and
biblical figures. The most prominent of
these feature angels and scenes from the
Book of Revelations, particularly the
Last Judgment and Resurrection. The
church is run by Father Alexander
Petrovich, a thoroughly indoctrinated
human who acts as the public face of the
cult, and intermediary with the undead
“congregants”. In contrast to the other
townsfolk, he is friendly, welcoming,
and all too eager to extol the virtues of
his bishop. If given any chance, he will
even attempt to recruit the PCs into the
cult, giving clever characters a chance to suspects the cult is preparing for
glean inside information from him. something important, since the Deacons
haven’t been seen much lately. Alyosha
can be used to push the players’
Petrovich can call on a squad of Streltsy
suspicion where the GM wishes: To
in case of trouble, and over a dozen
speed things up, he knows Voronin’s
Upyr are nesting in the locked crypt.
base is the “abandoned” monastery. To
They will be slow to respond to
draw out the mystery longer, he only
intruders, especially in the daytime,
knows about the nest of Upyr in the
giving the pack a chance to escape, or
town cathedral.
even dispatch the sluggish undead if
they are daring. Thoroughly searching
the crypt may uncover the cult’s hidden NIGHT ATTACK: On the pack’s first or
tunnel up to the monastery (Part II). second night in town, a clutch of Upyr
will attempt to infiltrate their room(s) at
the inn, seeping under the door or
THE BARD: While walking through the
through the windows in mist form. If
market square, the PCs will be pulled
any characters are wandering around
aside by an old basket-maker named
town after dark, the Upyr may ambush
Alyosha. He will ask what they are
them in the streets instead. They are
doing in Molodi, and warn them to
sent by Voronin, as much to test the
leave quickly, but will then realize that
strangers’ abilities as a real attack, and
the PCs are Benandanti. He will ask
should not be too difficult unless the
them to meet somewhere safer, and then
pack is completely unprepared. Once
tell what he knows about the cult.
the undead are dealt with, the PCs may
be able to track them back to the
Alyosha is a former Skomorokh, a bard cathedral where they were nesting.
carrying on Pagan traditions in the guise
of entertainment. Before the cult, when
ENDING THE SESSION: Once the pack has
Alyosha was young, he was tolerated to
explored the town, talked with Alyosha,
share stories, tell fortunes, and show off
and been attacked by Upyr, they should
his dancing bear Katyusha. But when
have a good idea of what’s going on in
the young bishop came to Molodi with
Molodi. For a dramatic ending to Part I,
his creatures, they killed the bear and
Voronin could confront them and force
told the bard to repent, or be burned as
their hand. At an appropriate time,
a heretic. That was decades ago, and he
perhaps when leaving the cathedral, the
is now an old man, but the bishop is still
pack will be stopped by Voronin
as young as the day he came to town.
leading a large group of Streltsy, too
Alyosha now scrapes together a living
many to fight at once. They will be
selling baskets and occasionally minor
captured and brought to the monastery
charms, waiting for the night when the
dungeons, or else flee the town and
Upyr will creep into his house. He
regroup for Part II.

- 24 -
 PART II: THE LIGHT THAT BLINDS
THE MONASTERY is Bishop Voronin’s
stronghold, perched like a vulture on
the cliffs over Molodi. From the outside
it appears abandoned, and most of the
inside is also in disrepair, since it is now
inhabited only by the dead. Two Streltsy
watch from the gatehouse at all times,
and two patrol the walls at night, taking
cover in shaded alcoves during the day.
The courtyard has a handful of
buildings including the monks’
quarters, refectory, and library, which
connect to the basement storerooms and
dungeon. The hidden tunnel from the
cathedral leads to one of these
storerooms. The buildings are
structurally intact, but filled with dust,
cobwebs, decaying furniture, and
moldering tapestries. Similar to the
cathedral in town, angels feature
heavily in the monastery’s decorations,
as well as tapestries and icons depicting
events from the Book of Revelations.
Upyr are scattered throughout the
monastery, nesting in clutches of about
a dozen. They may be found in the
basements, or any of the buildings
except the church; the pack will most
likely encounter at least one clutch. As
in the town, the nesting undead are
slow to respond to the PCs, who have a
chance to avoid them or attack by
surprise.
- 25 -
IMPRISONED: If the pack is captured by
Voronin in Part I, they will be locked in
iron shackles which impede shape-
shifting, and taken to the dungeon by a
squad of Streltsy. The undead soldiers
search them for dangerous items, but
are not especially thorough. The
characters are each chained to the wall
in a large stone room, with the door
locked and a few guards left in the
basement. All of their confiscated
belongings have been thrown into a
storeroom.
THE CHURCH: Contrasting the decay in
the rest of the monastery, the church is
kept immaculate with stained glass,
expensive cloth, and golden icons to
emphatically display its leader’s
devotion. The building is separated into
three sections: an entryway, the main
chapel where the ritual is set up, and
Voronin’s secure quarters in the back of
the church, with a basement to hold
victims for feeding and sacrifice. The
entryway is occupied by an undead
guardian: a lumbering hulk formed out
of bones, stone, and grave dirt left over
from Voronin’s other necromantic
endeavors. It swings a coffin lid in wide
sweeping attacks, but the confined
space could be used against it.
 Grave Guardian: 28 HP, 4 armor,
fists/coffin lid (1d6 to all in melee
reach, primary target stunned for
disadvantage on next attack). Silver
weapons bypass its armor.
THE RITUAL: As the pack enters the
chapel, three Deacons rush to defend
Voronin, who is standing by the altar
chanting in Latin. He is resplendent in
white and gold robes over an ornate
breastplate, wielding a gold-chased
longsword. Seven townspeople are
shackled around a complex geometrical
diagram engraved into the marble floor.
To adjust the difficulty of the encounter,
one victim per PC is already dead when
the pack enters the chapel. Each round
Voronin will sacrifice another victim,
letting their blood drain into the
channels of the diagram. A golden glow
appears behind the altar, becoming
more distinct with each infusion of
blood, as the room slowly fills with heat
haze.
If all seven victims are sacrificed, the
glow becomes nearly blinding before it
resolves into a towering, roughly
human-shaped rent in the air: an
opening to a plane of pure heat and
light, with six wing-like beams and a
ray of fire wielded as a blade. It cannot
leave the summoning diagram until the
ritual is finalized, but its blade can reach
most of the room, attacking in unison
with Voronin’s sword strokes as he
shouts insults and scripture at the pack.
- 26 -
 Bishop Voronin: 18 HP, 2 armor,
longsword (1d6+1), bite, mind
control, withering aura (once per
round, 1d3 damage to each nearby
opponent, heals Voronin for the
same amount).
 Destroying Angel: Fire blade (2d6
AP). Any melee attackers take 1d3
fire damage.
What exactly is Voronin summoning – is
it really an angel, a demon in disguise,
or a powerful spirit, taking the form
expected by its summoner? The PCs
won’t be able to find a definitive
answer, only speculate on it. In any case,
the “angel” is immune to nearly all
physical attacks, so the most expedient
way to banish it is by killing Voronin, or
sufficiently disrupting the ritual setup.
When it is no longer bound to the
mortal world, it will make one last
swing of its sword at the offending PC,
then flare and wink out of existence.
AFTERMATH: With Voronin and his
Deacons killed, the cult’s power will be
broken. Some cultists will continue
praying for the return of their “savior”,
but many townsfolk will be happy to
hunt down the rest of the now-
directionless Upyr. If the ritual is not
stopped, Voronin will lead his angel on
a crusade across Eastern Europe,
carving out a “holy kingdom” of
believers, and creating an army of
undead from the heretics who will not
submit to his rule.
The Benandanti walk a dangerous path, and every so often an adversary
arises that can even challenge a pack of werewolves and mages,
endangering the balance they work to protect. But in time, even the most
cunning foe will fall prey to the Wolf Hounds…

A campaign for the Wolf Hounds RPG,

set in 17th century Lithuania.

Five adventures facing the pack against a

powerful new villain and his cult followers.

Includes stats for monsters, NPCs, and allied

Benandanti that can be used as premade characters.

New Drawback system adds options for

building characters and regaining Grit.

Devin Fortman / Hare

- 27 -Trigger Games 2022